Utopia

"Few works of literature are held to be of more general use, than those which treat in a methodical and
elementary way of the principles of science. But the human mind in every enlightened age is progressive;
and the best elementary treatises, after a certain time, are reduced in value by the operation of subsequent
discoveries. Hence it has always been desired by the intelligent, that new works of this kind should from
time to time be brought forward, including the improvements, which had not yet been realised when
former compilations upon the subject were produced."

"WE sailed from Peru, where we had continued by the space of one whole year, for China and Japan, by the
South Sea, taking with us victuals for twelve months; and had good winds from the east, though soft and weak, for
five months' space and more. But then the wind came about, and settled in the west for many days, so as we could make
little or no way, and were sometimes in purpose to turn back. But then again there arose strong and great winds from the
south, with a point east; which carried us up, for all that we could do, toward the north: by which time our victuals failed
us, though we had made good spare of them."

Our discussion of socialism aims to : examine
its nature, looking particularly at the change in the system of ownership
and how this impacts on life and society as a whole; show how it is superior
to capitalism both as a society and as an economic system; defend it from
its detractors; show how social and economic developments are creating the
conditions it needs to thrive; andassess its future
prospects.

"This tract was specifically designed to be an introductory pamphlet
focusing to serve propaganda/polemical goals rather than rigorous analysis.
(Generally, Marx and Engels tended to divide their literary production along
those lines: Marx tackled the theory and Engels the popular/political work.)
Socialism: Utopian and Scientific would prove so successful in that goal it probably stands second only to the Manifesto of the Communist Party in
terms of the mass influence of a Marx/Engels work around Planet Earth."

"Founded in 1975, The Society for Utopian Studies is an international, interdisciplinary association devoted to the study of utopianism in all its forms with a particular emphasis on literary and experimental utopias. Scholars representing a wide variety of disciplines are active in the association and approach utopian studies from such diverse backgrounds as American Studies, Architecture, the Arts, Classics, Cultural Studies, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Gender Studies, History, Languages and Literatures, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology and Urban Planning. The Society publishes the journal Utopian Studies and a newsletter, Utopus Discovered, which contains information about upcoming conferences and workshops, and details on publications in the field."